Energy

HYDROPOWERINSPAIN

Hydroelectricity is the electric energy generated using the potential energy of flows of water

This industrial sector has a unique importance from the point of view of water resources, as it takes a massive inflow of water in quantities not comparable to other industrial activities in which the water is a resource.

Spainis a country relatively rich in hydropower resources that traditionally have been used to satisfy the demand.

The hydroelectric development in our country, began in the fifties and reached it´s maximum growth in the seventies, decreasing by the economic regime applied to the rates.

Advantages

Renewable Energy

Power that is not necessary to import

Does not need refrigeration or boiler, which reduces the cost

No pollution

Allow the water storage

Used to regulatethe river flow when entails the construction of a dam

Dam constructionalso brings recreation usages

Disadvantages

Depends on rainfall

It is necessary an abundant fluvial current and a injured orography

It maybenecessary tobuildinfrastructureto conductelectricity

Changesinecosystems

Social ordemographicproblems

Lossofwater quality

Hydroelectric generation in Spain

Renewableenergy generation is subject to meteorological conditions but in Spain the trend is positive.

Thedata collected in 2004 interms of power installed by Autonomous Communities reflect a higher production in Catalonia, Andalusia, Galicia, Castilla y León, Aragón and Navarra, as is shown in the following graph, in terms of production of minihydraulics plants. In contrast, the regions with more hydroelectric power installed in hydroelectric plants of 10-50 MW are Catalonia, Aragon and Galicia.

Figure 3. Mini-power stations

Figure 4. Power stations

Number of hydroelectric projects on river basin district and power installed.

The hydraulic energy is not a totally clean energy, because it must consider the environmental impact associated with the prey construction. According to the IHA it is necessary to consider nine key aspects to maintain the hydraulic potential with a sustainable development.

Water quality

Erosion and sediments transport

Hydrology and environmental flows of the rivers

Endemic species and endangered

Passage of species

Animals and vegetals plagues in the dams

Sanitary aspects

Activities of construction

Systems of water management

Demand and future evolution

The physical limitations mentioned and the costs of possible new infrastructures make suppose that the hydroelectric growth in the next years will be small. The National Power Plan of 1991 anticipated an increase of 900 MW for the year 2000 in average and great hydroelectric power stations and of 800MW in mini-power stations. Other estimations more optimistic consider that the power installed in 7.000 MW in 20 years could be increased, in case the State would foment this type of energy.